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Author Archives: Randy Raus

Randy Raus

Randy Raus is the President of Life Teen and a 22 year veteran of youth ministry. He spent twelve years leading a parish youth group, and has worked with youth leaders around the globe. Randy majored in Business / General Management at the University of Alabama. He enjoys tinkering with old cars, listening to music, and hanging out with his wife and eight children.

“I converted to Catholicism in 1983 and feel called to give back. The first ministry I looked at was teens and it has been a calling ever since.”

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A Catholic Youth Ministry “Gut Check”

by Randy Raus on March 2, 2010
At one time or another we all have moments that are gut checks! Gut checks are a test of one's nerve, courage, or determination. In Catholic youth ministry it is good to do a quick "Gut Check" of how we are approaching our role as youth minister.
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Do You Add or Take Away From the Room?

by Randy Raus on February 25, 2010
Have you ever been standing in a room and noticed when someone new entered that the dynamic of the room changed? I have see this a lot. Sometimes the atmosphere in the room gets more energized while at other times the air in room seems to have just been let out. Do you know what happens to a room when you enter? Do you add or take away from the energy that is present?
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An Instant Message Your Core Team Needs to Receive

by Randy Raus on February 24, 2010
G. K. Chesterton once said ““I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Sometimes we get our schedules so full that we forget to thank the people who are key to this ministry to teens. Do your Core Team members know your thanks? Take a [...]
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How Much Time Does It Take to be an Effective Youth Minister?

by Randy Raus on February 19, 2010
The most valuable thing you can give to teens is your time. I see a lot of youth leaders excited to serve teens, but get overwhelmed by the amount of time it actually takes to be effective as a youth minister. "The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have." - Norman Vincent Peale
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Letter Regarding the Laicization of Dale Fushek

by Randy Raus on February 16, 2010
Dear Friends in Ministry, As we enter into this Lenten season I pray this letter finds you well. Thanks for all you do for teens. I am writing to let you know some recent news regarding one of Life Teen’s founders. In 2009, Dale Fushek incurred the censure of excommunication because he chose to be in schism [...]
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A “What Not to Wear” Guide to Lent

by Randy Raus on February 15, 2010
What does the show What Not to Wear have to do with Lent? Have I really lost it this time? Not really, take a look and see.
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Are You a Contagious Catholic?

by Randy Raus on February 13, 2010
I am one of those enthusiastic converts to Catholicism. It started when I dated a girl who was a “contagious Catholic” in college. After knowing someone who was that “into” her faith, it actually sold me on giving the Catholic Church a try. I just got an Email with a reflection about being bold [...]
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Interview with NET Ministries / Mark Bercham

by Randy Raus on February 12, 2010
I spent the last two days working on a collaboration between the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Life Teen and NET Ministries. I was able to sit down with Mark Bercham (one holy guy) for a few minutes before we flew out yesterday – here is what Mark had to say!
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Recovering the Lost Art of Focusing on the Teens!

by Randy Raus on February 11, 2010
It’s like the real estate agents’ mantra: location, location, location. It’s repeated 3 times emphasizing how important location is for a real estate property. In Catholic youth ministry our mantra is: the teens, the teens, the teens! How often does the stress of parish politics, the mountains of safe environment paperwork or the unending stream [...]
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5 iPod/iPhone Apps To Help You Be A Better Catholic!

by Randy Raus on February 8, 2010
I confess – I am a gadget geek. I have a few close friends who are Apple fanatics and a couple of years ago they bought me a Mac laptop and a year later an iPhone. I must admit that I have had to watch the amount of time I spend on “screens” as I [...]
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